03 23 2004

W S SX

Hypo-critic-al

Still winning

Critics read too much, or not enough, into ‘controversial’ film/Opinions/Page 6

Softball continues winning streak after sweeping Raiders/Sports/Page 12

Tech-savvy

SXSW explores multimedia with interactive festival/Trends/Page 7

TUESDAY

VOLUME 93, ISSUE 64 www.universitystar.com

MARCH 23, 2004

BREAKING NEW GROUND T E X A S

S T A T E

U N I V E R S I T Y - S A N

M A R C O S

ASG keeps busy with elections, legislation

By Amelia Jackson News Reporter

Photo courtesy of Media Relations Texas Gov. Rick Perry delivered the keynote speech during a groundbreaking ceremony for the permanent campus of the Round Rock Higher Education Center. Texas State President Denise Trauth served as mistress of ceremonies. The RRHEC currently enrolls 1,659 students, but university officials say that number may double when the new building opens in August 2005. The RRHEC is a partnership of Texas State, Austin Community College and Temple College at Taylor. Approximately 400 people attended Monday’s groundbreaking.

Mass Comm Week provides something for everyone Mass Communication Week Events Tuesday 9:30-10:45 a.m., Old Main, Room 234.

“Account Planning & the Hispanic Market.”

11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Old Main, Room 320.

“Music & Entertainment from Two Perspectives: Public Relations & The Critic.”

2:00-3:15 p.m., Old Main, Room 232.

“The People’s Filing Cabinet - Government Documents.”

3:30-4:45 p.m., Old Main, Room 232.

“GRAMMY Awards: The View from Texas.”

7:00-8:30 p.m., Centennial Hall Teaching Theater.

“NASA: From Columbia to Mars and Beyond.”

Wednesday 9:30–10:45 a.m., Old Main, Room 234.

“NASA: Handling Crisis and Triumph in the Modern Media World.”

Speakers to include NASA spokesperson, music promoters

By Julie Daffern News Reporter

Planners for Mass Communication Week 2004 are hoping to attract students from beyond their own department by bringing in speakers who work in careers ranging from NASA to the Grammy Awards.

The full week of presentations by media professionals is geared toward presenting valuable information and contacts for those interested in or planning to work in mass media.

“This year we’ve expanded to include speakers who might be of interest to other students in the university, like bringing in a NASA spokesperson, which might be of interest to science students and music promoters who might be of interest to many others on campus,” said Kym Fox, Mass Communication Week committee g See WEEK, page 5

University Ambassadors host conference to discuss successful community outreach Events continued on page 5

By Julie Suenram News Reporter

The students who are often the first to greet those visiting Texas State for the first time recently had the opportunity to meet with their counterparts at universities in five southwestern states.

The University Ambassadors, who assist the admissions department with student recruitment and act as tour guides during Bobcat Days, hosted the Association of Student Advancement Programs District Four Conference on March 12. The conference gave students the opportunity to discuss and share successful ideas and programs.

“We represent the school;

we’re basically one of the first faces seen,” said Jennifer Hoffman, University and Community Outreach vice president for University Ambassadors and communication disorders sophomore. “A new student comes, never been here, and we introduce ourselves. We tell them about the campus, financial aid, scholarship options; we give the tours of the campus, and it’s a wonderful experience for people who have never been here before.”

The conference was themed “Kick Up Your Heels,” representing Texas State’s “Heart of Texas” location as well as recognizing the school’s southwestern traditions. The conference was held in the LBJ Student Center. Students

arrived Friday afternoon, checked in and were treated to dinner and a welcome ceremony followed by an evening of games and entertainment in the LBJSC. “I came out here just to meet different people that have leadership skills or want to gain them,” said Amy Holingen, Texas Tech University marketing junior.

“There is that diversity and leadership there, and you just have fun with it.”

Saturday’s portion of the conference consisted of three concurrent sessions throughout the day in the LBJSC. Schools presented their own educational topics such as team building and fund-raising. g See CONFERENCE, page 5

After a week off for Spring Break, the Associated Student Government is busy with new legislation and upcoming elections.

The Senate introduced four pieces of new legislation during Monday’s meeting.

Catherine Reed, communication studies sophomore, introduced a resolution targeting the recognition of service learning as a vital interest to the university.

Yvette Morris, communication studies junior, authored a resolution that would institute an honor council at Texas State, which is a proposal ASG has supported in previous years.

Brian Brennan, criminal justice senior, presented the ASG with a resolution to institute an email notification informing students of registration holds.

Quintin Matthews, geography senior, introduced a proposal to create a “No Joke: Bike to School Day” in connection with a city of San

Open forums to discuss new strategic plan, process Meetings designed to help school reach its goals

By Jennifer Warner Senior Reporter

When Denise Trauth took the position of president at Texas State, one of her primary goals was to revise the strategic planning process.

This revision has been taking place since she arrived. As the current five-year strategic plan comes to an end, the university is ironing out the final changes of the new plan.

The strategic plan puts activities and programs in place to help the university reach its

goals. Several open forums will be held this week to discuss the issues on which the 2004-2009 Strategic Plan will focus.

“Those forums are to provide the university community with information about what the different divisions are going to be doing in the next five-year period with regard to achieving the mission of the university,” said Nancy Nusbaum, Finance and Support Services assistant vice president.

The forums are designed so that all members of the campus community, including students, faculty and staff, can be aware of the process that takes place.

Cathy Fleuriet, Institutional Effectiveness associate vice president and University Planning Committee chair, said

RESEARCH METHOD

g See ASG, page 3

she believes it is important for students to attend the forums to learn about this process.

“I think it’s a matter of trust in a process. An open process is very important and it’s the idea that we know our direction,” Fleuriet said. “We call it a top down, bottom-up process where the leadership provides guidance but there’s input from all levels of the university. That’s how we identify with the university and understand where we’re headed. A participative process is always, in the long run, the best way to achieve initiatives.”

The entire process was developed to revise the planning of the university, as suggested by g See FORUMS, page 5

I N S I D E

Amusements....................9

Classifieds......................10

Comics/Crossword........9 News...........................2,3,5

Opinions...........................6

Sports.........................11,12 Trends............................7,8

Today’s Weather

High: 73 Lo w : 61

AM Rainy/PM Cloudy

Andrew Nenque/Star photo Robin Rae and Natalie Weiblen, physical therapy graduate students, look through many articles available to them for the graduate research project Vestibular Testing in Pediatrics.

Wind: From SE at 14 mph Precipitation: 30% Max. Humidity: 70% UV Index: 4 Low Wednesday’s Forecast Rainy 78/61

PAGE TWO

Multicultural Job and E-Expo

The University Star

The Multicultural Job Expo will take place from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. March 31 at Strahan Coliseum. Until then, students can take advantage of the E-Expo, a virtual job fair online, which can be accessed at careerservices.txstate.edu. The E-Expo allows employers to identify students before the Job Expo in order to invite them to their booth. It is a place where registered employers will list job vacancies and review résumés.

To register for E-Expo, follow directions for MonsterTRAK and enter a student ID number.

Tuesday, March 23, 2004

Higher Ground meets at 5:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s Church.

Bobcat Supper is at 5:30 p.m. at the Christian Community Center.

Calendar of

EVENTS Tuesday

Catholic Student Center provides a free lunch from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the center.

Christians at Texas State meets at noon in the LBJ Student Center, Room 3-10.1.

Career Services hosts a workshop to prepare for the fair from 12:301:30 p.m. at LBJSC, Room 3-7.1.

Breaking Free From Dieting support group meets at 3 p.m. at the Texas State Counseling Center.

For more information call 245-2208.

Texas State Counseling Center holds a seminar on Behavior Changes from 3:15-4:45 p.m. at the counseling center.

Collegiate Entrepreneur’s Organization meets at 5 p.m. in LBJSC, Room 3-5.1.

Geography Honors Society meets at 5 p.m. in the Evans Liberal Arts building, Room 311.

Science Fiction/Fantasy Society meets at 8 p.m. in LBJSC, Room 3-11.1.

Crosstalk meets at 8 p.m. in the Alkek Teaching Theater.

Bible Study meets at 8 p.m. at the Catholic Student Center.

Thursday Relationship Concerns meets at 4:30 p.m. at the Texas State Counseling Center.

Public Relations Student Society of America meets at 5 p.m. in LBJSC, Room 3-10.1.

Victory Over Violence meets from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at LBJSC, Room 3-12.1.

American Sign Language Club meets at 7 p.m. in LBJSC, Room 3-10.1.

Texas State Cru meets at 7:30 p.m. at the Academic Services Building-South, Room 315.

The Rock meets at 7:30 p.m. at the CSC chapel.

Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship meets at 8 p.m. in Old Main, Room 320.

Wednesday

Christians on Campus meets at 9:30 p.m. at the McCarty Center.

Christians at Texas State meets at noon in the LBJSC, Room 3-10.1.

NA Meeting is at noon. For more information, call 245-3601.

Sexual Assault & Abuse Services meets at 4:30 p.m. at the Texas State Counseling Center.

Students With Alternate Transportation operates from 11 p.m.-3 a.m.

Career Services hosts a workshop to prepare for the fair from 5:306:30 p.m. at LBJSC, Room 3-7.1.

Student Volunteer Connection meets at 5:30 p.m. in LBJSC, Room 3-5.1.

Friday

Calendar Submission Policy Calendar submisions are free. Send submissions Calendar of Events Manager Paul Lopez at TexasStateCalendar@yahoo.com or call 245-3476 for more information. Notices for weekly meetings need to be submitted once. The University Star reserves the right to refuse entries or edit for libel, style and space purposes. Deadline: Three working days prior to publication.

Hours of Operation

Albert B. Alkek Library Monday -Wednesday 7:30 a.m. - 1 a.m.

Thursday 7:30 a.m. - midnight Friday 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sunday 1 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Student Recreation Center Monday - Thursday 6 a.m. - midnight Friday 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday noon - midnight

Golf Course Open daily 7 a.m. - dusk

LOCAL UPDATES

Campus

Texas music history gets unplugged

An all-star lineup highlights this year’s Texas Music History UnPlugged 4, scheduled for 7 p.m. Sunday at the LBJ Student Center Ballroom.

UnPlugged 4, sponsored by the Center for Texas Music History and the history department, will feature a diverse lineup of new and returning performers.

“The post-modern king of western swing” Ray Benson, Grammy Award winner and co-founder of Asleep At The Wheel, returns as host and performer. Other scheduled performers include Ruthie Foster and Cyd Cassone, performing a remarkable hybrid of blues, gospel, roots and folk music rich with honest spirituality and emotion; Sisters Morales, the acclaimed group showcasing diverse and Mexican-infused sounds, makes its UnPlugged debut; Chris Wall, a Grammynominated songwriter making his first UnPlugged appearance, is a favorite of western honky tonks for his unpretentious musical honesty that evokes the mythology of Texas; Joel Guzman, accordion player extraordinaire, returns to UnPlugged for a second time, bringing his talents as instrumentalist, singer and performer back to San Marcos. Guzman is also successful as an innovator, arranger and producer, and his band Aztex formed the nucleus and inspiration for RCA’s release of Los Super Seven.

Each artist will perform songs illustrating the history and diversity of Texas music.

UnPlugged 4 is free and open to the public. For further information, contact Gary Hartman, Center for Texas Music History director, at 245-3749.

City

Minor reconstruction to begin on Camaro Way Monday

The City of San Marcos Street Department will begin minor

reconstruction of Camaro Way this Monday.

The project is expected to take four to six weeks to com-

plete. Residents are being notified by the Street Department through the distribution of fliers. No street closures are

expected in the project, although drivers may expect brief lane closures and workers directing traffic.

Minor reconstruction involves grinding the old asphalt and

recycling it with base materials, reshaping the streets and adding a new asphalt surface. Motorists are asked to drive carefully in the construction zone.

The streets are part of the final year of a six-year, $4.5 mil-

lion street reconstruction program undertaken by the City of San Marcos. Street Department crews are continuing to work on Algarita and Chaparral streets.

Streets completed since October include Charles Austin

Drive, Clara Street, Prospect Street, Brown Street, Belvin Street, Quarry Street, Veramendi Street, Schulle Drive, Manor Park, Hill Street and Fenway Loop.

The goal of the six-year maintenance-overlay program is to

repave approximately 107 lane miles, or about 70 percent of the city’s streets. After this year, the program will continue on a modified basis.

CRIME BL TTER

University Police Department

Campus Crime Stoppers: 245-7867 March 18, 12:10 a.m.

Graffiti under $500/Derrick Hall — An employee reported finding graffiti in the stairwell.

March 13, 11:15 p.m.

Criminal mischief under $500/Jackson Hall — An employee reported a window had been broken.

March 13, 8:12 p.m.

Theft under $500/Baseball Complex Parking Lot — A student reported his toolbox was stolen.

March 13, 6:27 p.m.

Criminal mischief under $500/Derrick Hall — An employee reported a glass door was broken.

March 12, 4:00 p.m.

Theft under $500/Flowers Hall — An employee reported a computer monitor was stolen.

March 12, 9:40 p.m.

Burglary of a building/Academic Services Building — An employee reported that a computer was stolen from an office.

All cases are under investigation.

Press releases courtesy of Media Relations and the City of San Marcos

San Marcos Police Department

San Marcos crime Stoppers: 353-TIPS(8477) March 21, 3:12 p.m.

Burglary of a motor vehicle/Warden Street — Victim said someone entered her unsecured vehicle and stole her stereo and damaged her ignition switch and center console while the vehicle was parked in the parking lot.

March 21, 12:17 a.m.

Criminal mischief initial/1301 Wonder World Drive — Unknown persons smashed a driver’s side window of a parked car.

March 20, 10:03 p.m.

Criminal mischief initial/North LBJ Drive — Unknown persons threw a concrete block through a car window.

March 20, 5:17 p.m.

Credit card abuse/South Interstate Highway 35 — A female reported unknown charges to her credit card.

March 20, 8:01 a.m.

Theft under $500/Seguin Street — Responded to Village Green apartments to investigate a theft. Complainant advised he paid asking price for a vehicle belonging to the suspect. The suspect took the car back at approximately 3:00 a.m.

ASG ELECTIONS AND BUS REFERENDUM Vote on Tuesday, March 30th or Wednesday, March 31st

•New Bus route servicing the Ranch Road 12, Craddock and LBJ areas.

•Increased level of service to the Commuter parking areas and Post Road.

•Summer Bus service to Apartment routes and Austin.

•The shuttle bus fee referendum will increase the current bus fee from $42 to $52 and provide students with 5 additional route buses and 5,000 additional service hours.

MAKING WAVES

NEWS

News Briefs

The University Star - 3

Drunken Texas man allows son, 11, to drive

Andrew Nenque/Star photo Kristin Frizzell, psychology junior, gets back to her routine at the Aqua Sports Center. She swims twice a week, switching from timed endurance to drills.

Drug testing policy being discussed Extracurricular activities could be in jeopardy for those violating rules

By Carmen Sawyer-Brandt Special to The Star The opportunity for seventh- through 12th-graders to participate in extracurricular activities such as band, athletics and theater could be in jeopardy if proponents of a new drug testing policy have their way.

The San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District School Board will hear a presentation from the Student Drug Testing Committee at 6 p.m. at tonight’s regularly scheduled monthly school board meeting held in the Board Room of the SMCISD Central Office.

Proponents are seeking random urinalysis testing.

The school board unanimously agreed to allow the formation of this committee, which has studied the policies of other

“We are very aware that there’s a problem in San Marcos, and we want to be the solution and we just hope that the school board will want to take this step to solve the problem,” — Steven Vannest San Marcos High School assistant principal and defensive coordinator school districts and researched how to implement the program locally. The district is currently under the zero-tolerance policy, which bans students from extracurricular activities for a year if caught using illegal drugs.

Steven Vannest, San Marcos High School assistant principal and defensive coordinator, is head of the committee. He said he prefers the district to be “pro-

active” and open minded to the idea of having a mandatory drug testing policy.

At first, committee members wanted to test students before they could join any extracurricular school activities, but this idea raised several concerns from the community, Vannest said. Instead, the committee will present the idea of having a lottery of all seventh-grade through 12th-grade students involved in extracurricular activities. From this lottery, students will be picked once a month for mandatory drug testing.

“We are very aware that there’s a problem in San Marcos, and we want to be the solution and we just hope that the school board will want to take this step to solve the problem,” Vannest said.

According to a San Marcos Daily Record poll, 71.8 percent of the 1,145 people surveyed favor drug testing in public schools. Nearly 26 percent of those surveyed oppose drug testing and 2.4 percent of the votes are undecided.

The school board is scheduled to vote on this proposal during its April 19 meeting.

ASG: Joins 1,100 students in Bobcat Build g Cont. from page 1

Marcos event.

Senators will vote on the legislation during next week’s meeting.

The ASG elections will be held March 30-31 and many senators are busy with campaigning. Justin McGarry, ASG vice president, asked candidates to examine the ASG election code for rules and regulations regarding campaigning.

He pointed out the finance limits on campaigns of $300 per presidential or vice presidential candidate and $100 per senatorial candidate. Receipts from the campaigns will be due three days after election results are posted.

McGarry also informed candidates they would be responsible for gaining approval of their campaign materials and for removing them after the elections are complete.

ASG President Ernie Dominguez hopes students will attend the election debates at 7 p.m. Wednesday in LBJ Student Center, Room 3-10.1.

“I encourage students to come to the student government debates so students can be informed about what the candidates stand for and have an opportunity to ask questions,” Dominguez said.

There are 14 new candidates for ASG and 23 incumbents. Some colleges have more seats available than candidates so all hopefuls will receive seats in the Senate. The colleges of Applied Arts, Business Administration, Fine Arts and Communication and Liberal Arts have contested elections.

ASG is planning to assist with Bobcat Build this weekend along side 1,100 students. McGarry said he looks forward to seeing students volunteering their time on Saturday.

have an opinion?

Send a letter to the editor. Seriously.

The e-mail address is starletters@txstate.edu.

Don’t say we didn’t tell ya.

Got a news tip?

E-mail The University Star’s news editor at

starnews@txstate.edu and tell us about it!

What is your PURPOSE? WHAT: Six-part discussion on the best-selling book The Purpose Driven Life WHEN: Begins Thursday, March 25th @ 12:30 WHERE: Campus Christian Community. . . the CCC is located across from Jones Diner

For more info call or email us at 396-4222 or ccc@txstate.edu

It seems all those public service announcements have taught Robert Lee Crider about the perils of drinking and driving. But when it comes to selecting a designated driver, the Texas man could use a few tips.

In the early morning hours of a recent Saturday, an inebriated Crider, 35, handed the keys to his 11-year-old son, who, though sober, could hardly see over the steering wheel. The boy’s erratic driving — he was swerving and speeding — caught the eye of a state trooper, who pulled him over outside the West Texas town of Big Spring.

Crider was arrested on charges of child endangerment, public intoxication and having an open container of alcohol in his car, said Sgt. Jason Hester of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Crider had picked up his son, who lives with Crider’s ex-wife in the Panhandle city of Lubbock, as part of a custody arrangement. On the road to Crider’s central Texas home — nearly 350 miles away — Crider and a friend who tagged along put back several beers, Hester said. At Big Spring, about 130 miles into the trip, the two adults turned to the boy when they decided they were too drunk to drive, Hester said.

An international whistle-stop tour

WASHINGTON — Fallout from the Spanish election last week was rippling through the mighty Coalition of the Willing, and the administration was working hard to shore up the fainthearted.

President Bush gave a little pep talk Friday at the White House to ambassadors and officials of 83 countries, urging them to stand firm in the fight against terrorism.

Even before that, Rep. Cass Ballenger, R-N.C., was planning to make sure coalition members don’t backslide. An e-mail invitation went out Wednesday from a Ballenger aide to other GOP and Democratic staffers saying Ballenger “would like to invite your boss to join him on a Congressional delegation trip to Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua from April 12 through 16, 2004.” So far, Rep. Marsha Blackburn, RTenn., has indicated she might be able to make it, and

others are checking their calendars. The Ballenger trip will include discussions of human rights, drugs, immigration and trade issues, the invitation points out.

Most important, “since these nations have participated in the war in Iraq, and have been close allies of the U.S.,” the invitation says, “it is important that we show some support for them.” The Hondurans have sent about 300 troops; 250 Nicaraguan de-mining, medical and other troops have rotated out for now; and a small number of Salvadorans went over.

Mini-liquor bottle showdown brews in South Carolina

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The humble mini-bottle — relegated to airplane service carts and hotel honor bars in much of the rest of the world — reigns like a tiny king over the bars of South Carolina. Pub owners build special chrome and wood cabinets to hold the shrunken bottles that mimic their larger cousins right down to the hand-dipped wax on the Maker’s Mark bourbon and the raised filigreed artwork on the Belvedere vodka.

Customers — that is, those who aren’t doubled over laughing when the bartender pulls down a wee bottle — are known to ooh and ahh over them: “Isn’t that sweet? ... Oh, look, that one has a little crown on top!”

The big bottles have tried to muscle in for years.

But the mini-bottle has big friends, powerful friends, who have ensured that South Carolina retains the distinction of being the only state in the nation requiring bars to serve all hard liquor in minibottles. The mini-bottle’s place behind the bar is even enshrined in the state’s constitution.

But the most carefully constructed kingdom can fall, and these are dark, dark days for the mini-bottle in South Carolina. Lawmakers in the state capital of Columbia — two hours away from laissezfaire Charleston by car, but a million miles away in attitude — are closer than ever to changing the state’s 32-yearold mini-bottle law and forcing a statewide vote in November on a constitutional amendment that would open bars to more traditionally sized liquor bottles.

Briefs are from wire reports.

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4 - The University Star

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Tuesday, March 23, 2004

Tuesday, March 23 10 am - 6 pm LBJ Student Center Ballroom If you are graduating in May or August, don’t miss out on food, fun, door prizes and “YOUR LAST CHANCE TO GET EVERYTHING DONE BEFORE GRADUATION.”

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Civic Responsibility

NEWS

WEEK: Professionals offer advice CONFERENCE: ASAP offers Mass Communication Week Events fresh ideas, different perspectives Tuesday, March 23, 2004

continued...

11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Old Main, Room 320.

“Spanish-Language Radio.”

12:30-1:45 p.m., Old Main, Room 234. “Get a job – Panel Discussion.”

2:00-3:15 p.m., Old Main 320. “The Ethics of Writing and The New York Times.”

3:30-4:45 p.m., Old Main, Room 234.

“Battlefield Journalism: Covering Iraq.”

7:00-9:00 p.m., Old Main 234. Film screening “9/11.”

Thursday 9:30-10:45 a.m., Old Main, Room 234. “The Whack Upside Your Head.”

11:00a.m.-12:15 p.m., Old Main, Room 234.

“High Definition Television Production.”

12:30 p.m., Old Main, Room 320.

“Outstanding Student” Awards.

5:00-6:00 p.m., Old Main, Room 234.

“Research Paper Competition.” g Cont. from page 1

chair and mass communication lecturer.

Topics such as “Battlefield Journalism: Covering Iraq” and “Spanish-Language Radio” will be discussed by professionals representing the sequences of the mass communication department — advertising, electronic media, print journalism and public relat i o n s .

Speakers from the San Anton i o - E x p re s s News, KEYE News in Austin, Lone Star Attractions and Amigo Broadcasting will pass on what they have learned while working as professionals.

“Mass Communication Week is a great opportunity for students to hang out with the professionals and learn about a variety of media careers,” Fox said.

A research paper competition and a luncheon recognizing outstanding mass communication students will also

Awards: The View from Texas.”

Mass communication student organizations will have a role in this year’s Mass Communication Week.

Representatives of the organizations will set up tables on the first floor of Old Main for students to get information on what each group has to offer.

“It’s the students’ chance to — Kym Fox be able to Mass Communication Week committee chair and e x p l o r e mass communication lecturer the different organizations in to NASA and space explo- the mass communication department,” said Liz Castro, ration.

“I will talk about our cur- KTSW station manager of and rent Mars missions with Spirit mass communication senior. and Opportunity exploring “We’re compiling all of our Mars,” Rein said. “I will talk on-air stuff to give people a about the new Vision for glimpse of all the things we do Space Exploration announced at KTSW.” At 7 p.m. Wednesday, the

by President (George W.) of Professional Bush in January and speak to Society what NASA has done that Journalists will also hold a relates to our everyday lives.” screening of 9/11, a film that Dave Rios, Grammy began as a documentary on Awards project manager, will firefighters and ended as a also present “Grammy first-hand account of Sept. 11. take place Thursday.

For students interested in science, space or even current events, Mike Rein, chief of NASA’s public communication division at Kennedy Space Center, will present “NASA: From Columbia to Mars and Beyond.” Rein will give two presentations during the week on issues pertaining

“This year we’ve expanded to include speakers who might be of interest to other students in the university.”

The University Star - 5

g Cont. from page 1

“Sharing of ideas is the big thing about these ASAP conferences,” said Brian Robinson, University Ambassadors president and organizational communication junior. “There is a no-school barrier, no more competition. You have schools that are rivals, but here we all share ideas.”

This is the first year Texas State has hosted the ASAP conference. District Four is comprised of five states — Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Hoffman said hosting the conference was an opportunity to promote the university’s new name.

“It has been so good for our school,” Hoffman said “I have had several people where their

schools went through name changes as well, and it has been very interesting to see other schools and what they have been through and all the similarities.”

The conference also included several speakers. Bruce Renfro of the department of mass communication discussed publicity and organization.

Jacquelyn Cooper, orientation coordinator, and Timothy Mottet, communication studies associate professor, both spoke Saturday afternoon.

“I thought it was awesome,” said Delilah Pleasant, University of Texas-Arlington elementary education junior.

“The keynote speaker Jacquelyn Cooper was awesome, she was hitting on points that were touching home and making you think ‘oh well,

maybe that is me.’ So it was more like: rethink your whole perspective, and once you get it down, then you are who you are.”

This year’s conference was one of the largest district conferences with about 186 students attending from 15 schools. Robinson was pleased with the reaction received by students attending the conference, ending the conference on a satisfactory note.

“We’ve gotten a lot of compliments, with people saying that this is a whole lot better than any other conference they have been to, and it feels good to hear them say that,” Robinson said. “We’ve tried to be as entertaining as possible.

We wanted a good variety of educational topics. This year we had some of the best ones.”

FORUMS: Open to the campus community g Cont. from page 1

Trauth.

“All of this came out as part of a new planning process where there’s more involvement,” Fleuriet said. “Its an open, feedbackoriented kind of planning where we can actually discuss the issues.”

Ana Lisa Garza, Strategic Planning coordinator, said each of the vice presidents is developing their plans in conjunction with the academic plan. They will present their goals in a conversational presentation at the respective forums.

All forums are free and open to the entire campus community.

Nusbaum said she believes all of the campus planning, including strategic planning and the new master plan that is being developed, help the university to know what the students want and how to give it to them.

“If you don’t know where you’re going and how you want to get there, then you’re probably not going to achieve it,” she said.

For more information about the strategic planning process, go online to www.txstate.edu/effective/pa.htm.

Strategic Planning Forums Finance and Support Services 1:30 to 3 p.m. in Evans Auditorium Student Affairs 1:30 to 3 p.m. Wednesday in Flowers Hall Information Technology 3:30 to 5 p.m. Thursday on the 11th floor of J.C. Kellam Administration Building University Advancement 1:30 to 3 p.m. Friday in Flowers Hall, Room 341

ASSOCIATED STUDENT GOVERNMENT LBJ Student Center 4-5.1 512-245-2196 • www.asg.txstate.edu Meetings: Monday evenings at 7 pm in LBJ Student Center 3-14.1

THE STUDENT VOICE LETTER FROM ASG PRESIDENT

ASG SENATE COMMITTEES

Dear Bobcats,

What We’re Doing Now

As the President of your ASG, we are committed to being involved in all aspects of student life and the success of our University.

We address concerns such as grading policies, the honor code, parking and tram issues.

This past fall, your ASG took on issues such as the excess amount of “spam” mail in our Texas State email accounts, cell phone usage in our library, and passed legislation to have an official Texas State class ring which will be available soon.

This spring we will be addressing shuttle bus concerns and have made strides in trying to improve the food service on our campus.

ASG will continue to be looking at issues and concerns that affect our students this semester. It is my pleasure to represent you as your President of the Associated Student Government.

Remember, ASG is “students serving students.”

Bobcat Pride, Ernie R. Dominguez ASG President

•Academic Affairs -Correcting Honor Code to reflect the will of ASG and students •Environment, Transportation and Facilities -Texas State Tram off-campus service -Cross walk painting -Blue lights locations

•Finance and Fees -Number of suggestion boxes on campus -Tuition deregulation and its effects •Information and Technology -Expansion of library hours -Campus holds email notification -Off-campus housing rating website

•Student Life -Chartwells’ Food Contract -More information for the students regarding food service -Tram Ride-a-Thon •Public Relations -Texas State “Yard Sale” -Publicizing on-goings of the ASG -Senate brochures

SENATE REACTS Legislation is the process through which senators answer problems and concerns of students. The following are examples of legislation passed this spring, which will greatly affect the student body of Texas State University.

•S.R.F. 2003-2004/13 “Gateway to the Past” •S.S.R.F. 2003-2004/4 “Food Service at Texas State” -Legislation in support of bringing back the Pedagog -Legislation in support of extending the Chartwells yearbook to the Texas State Campus food service contract -2003-2004 Academic school year marks the inaugural -The contract will allow for an investment of $2.9 million year of the Texas State University and the Pedagog to support renovations and upgrades to current dining would capture this monumental chapter in our facilities, including the expansion of Jones Diner university’s history.

-Rollover meal trades will be in effect Fall 2004 so that -The Pedagog will be a collection of articles, students will be able to use meal trades within the photographs, and materials from events that have taken current meal plan year place within the past academic year *updated by Vice President Justin McGarry

The Associated Student Government Senate works continuously on issues that concern the student body. All legislation can be viewed via the ASG website. If you have any grievances or interests you would like to bring before the senate, please feel free to voice them during Public Forum every Monday evening at 7pm in LBJSC 3-14.1.

ASG Elections are being held March 30-31st. In addition to voting for President, Vice President and Senators, students are being asked to vote on three different referendums that will affect the ASG Constitution and change service fees. It is important that your opinion is heard so be sure to vote in the upcoming Spring election.

OPINIONS CONTACT Scooter Hendon staropinion@txstate.edu (512) 245-3487

Page 6

OPINIONS

THE UNIVERSITY STAR Defending the First Amendment since 1911

Tuesday, March 23, 2004

Propaganda should not be disguised as news THE MAIN POINT

I

t can be agreed that propaganda is not news.

However, the White House seems to think differently. The newly enacted Medicare prescription drug benefit program will cost taxpayers $400 billion, according to estimates from White House and Republican lawmakers, differing from the Congressional Budget Office that estimates a $534 billion price tag in the next 10 years. Obviously a program this expensive would take some convincing to gather support, but instead of gathering

support the White House chose to deliver a snow job.

The “Video News Release” tag was missing from two 30-second television commercials that were distributed to Washington-area TV stations by the Health and Human Services Department.

The mock news story, titled “Same Medicare. More Benefits,” showed HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson saying, “It’s the same Medicare seniors have always counted on, with more benefits.”

The “news story” also contains

pacifying images of seniors playing Yahtzee and pharmacists dispensing medicine. It looks nice and convincing until you find out the alleged reporter delivering the report is a public relations agent named Karen Ryan. The White House still contends she is a legitimate reporter, but the Columbia Journalism Review investigated the claims and discovered that she had once worked as a broadcast journalist, but usually specialized in these types of artificial news reports.

Instead of trying to pull the

wool over Americans’ eyes with fake news reports, the Bush administration should work toward finding a plan that most people can live with. Even though they claim it will only cost $400 billion in the next 10 years, most other (and probably more objective) reports claim it will cost much more than that.

Presenting opinion and propaganda as the truth is never acceptable and is absolutely deplorable coming from top officials who are supposed to be leading our nation.

Thhe Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State UniversitySan Marcos Student Media, the department of mass communication or Texas State University-San Marcos.

Letters policy: E-mail letters to starletters@txstate.edu. Letters must be no longer than 350 words. No anonymous letters will be printed. We reserve the right to edit for grammar, spelling, space and libel. We reserve the right to refuse obscene, irrelevant and malicious letters. All e-mails must include the name and phone number of the letter writer.

Students should also include their classifications and majors.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Serving in Army not as bad as you may think

THE PASSION OF THE CRITICS

Controversial film sparks debate among viewers

It can now be said that I watched the most controversial film of the year. A few weeks ago a friend and I went Brett Bousman to see The Passion of the Star Columnist Christ. My friend said, “Wow. I said that I could never watch another movie about Jesus’ death and resurrection without stopping the DVD player and putting in that movie when it came to his crucifixion.”

The next question I had to ask was, “What was all the fuss about?” The only complaint I had about the movie was I wished it covered more than just the final hours of Jesus’ life.

I heard the critics — mostly from the left — make their complaints. We all heard it was too violent. I have to agree that it was violent, typical of how Roman executions were carried out.

Where are these critics — mostly from the left — when there is a violent movie hailing the killer as a hero?

Where are these critics — mostly from the left — when Eminem and Ludacris rap about shooting people, doing drugs or pimpin’ in a positive light? These same critics — mostly from the left — are calling these people artistic geniuses. They sometimes go to the lengths of giving them a Nobel Prize.

I have a hard time believing the critics truly have a problem with the movie’s violent content. I would not be surprised if The Davinci Code receives some kind of prize next year when it

The University Star 601 University Dr. San Marcos, TX 78666 Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708

comes out. This movie is also supposed to focus on the life of Christ. This movie, that I am sure will be so brilliant, is supposed to poke fun at the life of Christ, having him sleep with Mary Magdeline. I wonder if these same critics of The Passion will criticize this movie for lewd sexual content.

Remember, it’s artistic genius if it slams Christianity because Christians wait by an abortion clinic for target practice. But remember, not all Muslims were behind Sept. 11?

Some critics — mostly from the left — claim the movie is anti-Semitic. Just ask these critics — mostly from the left — a question about the nation that is the biggest threat to world peace. Their reply will be Israel. I have a hard time believing they truly believe the movie is anti-Semitic.

Some critics — mostly from the left — will use the rabbi’s argument that the movie might cause some antiSemitic feelings to rise up and to blame the Jews for the crucifixion of Christ.

At other times these same critics will say that movies and music have little influence on our thoughts and actions.

This is why advertisers will pay billions of dollars during the Super Bowl so our minds and actions will not be affected by the commercials.

The point is that Mel Gibson’s motive is not to cause anti-Semitic feelings but to simply be historically accurate. This meant having the Jewish high priests request the Roman governor to crucify Jesus. I have a hard time believing that this is their concern.

So what are the critics’ — mostly from the left — problems with this movie? Could it possibly be that Jesus Christ preached absolute truth when he

Editor In Chief............................Genevieve Klein, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor.....................Scooter Hendon, staropinion@txstate.edu News Editor.........................................David Doerr, starnews@txstate.edu Assistant News Editor.....................Kassia Micek, km1018@txstate.edu Sports Editor......................................Jason Orts, starsports@txstate.edu Entertainment Editor.........Terry Ornelas, starentertainment@txstate.edu Photo Editor..................................Brad Sherman, starphoto@txstate.edu

taught the multitudes? Could it be that Jesus Christ held people accountable for their actions? This is something for which critics — mostly from the left — don’t want to take responsibility. Did you ever leave Philosophy 1301 disappointed, thinking that you would find absolute truth?

The conclusion that one should draw is that there is no absolute truth.

This means that we can have as much sex as we want and get as drunk and as stoned as we want. We whine to the American Civil Liberties Union, complaining our civil liberties have been violated when police order us to blow in a breathalyzer or pee in a cup when they see us swerving on the road. We will teach people how to be responsible out of their irresponsibility by passing out condoms and telling women it’s their choice to end the life of their unborn child. Keep in mind that I don’t have to be a woman to know irresponsibility. I also don’t have to be a woman to know what murder is.

Could it possibly be that the critics — mostly from the left — fear that this movie might make us all realize not just Jews and the Romans hanged Jesus 2,000 years ago? We all hanged Him. This is something that He was willing to do on his own to show His love for us so we don’t have to get what we deserve. He also did this to free us from the rut of our irresponsibilities that lead to nothing but pain and regret. There is nothing abnormal about Jesus getting on our nerves. The only difference is that some of us know why.

Bousman is a history and mass communication senior.

Design Editor.......................................Matt Rael, stardesign@txstate.edu Systems Administrator.........Ben Stendahl, starsysadmin@txstate.edu Art Director...........................................Christy Gray, cg1056@txstate.edu Calendar of Events...........Paul Lopez, TexasStateCalendar@yahoo.com Advertising Coordinator......................Jodie Claes, starad1@txstate.edu Advertising Graduate Asst...........Amy Redmond, starad2@txstate.edu Advertising Rep..........................Mindy Gieselman, mg1188@txstate.edu

When I first read (March 9, “Wolves in Camouflage”) that (Jeff Miller) was a fellow soldier, I was overjoyed. Having served for nearly six years with the 136th AW, I felt we would have a lot in common.

It’s unfortunate that I was wrong. Joining is a great way to solve some cash problems and build up your résumé (something all people close to graduating should like).

However, saying that there is a “fair chance” of being deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan isn’t exactly accurate. In my six years, I was only deployed overseas once and that was to Europe. After totaling up active duty, reserve and National Guard forces, only 180,527 are currently deployed. Not just to Iraq, but to such life-threatening areas as Germany, Japan, South Korea, England and (gasp) France. That’s not just the Army, but all U.S. Forces combined.

Now, you also said something about not being able to spend your bonus money when you’ve been shot and killed in Iraq. Because, to this day, only 552 Americans have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan; 552 divided by the 125,000 already there equals to about 0.004416. Wow, I’d take those odds to Vegas.

Finally, being in the Army left you in the dark as to what the new slogan “An Army of One” meant. Because I’m not in the Army, I’ll enlighten you. It means that there are plenty of ways to serve in your own specialty. Be in a band, be a plumber, a tank driver, a photographer, an infantryman, a paratrooper, a press agent, take your pick. If you’re an excellent shutterbug, they’re not going to assign you to artillery. You serve in your way. I only hope I was able to help a fellow soldier.

— David Gremillion music education senior

Columnist response: Thank you for your response to my article, and I’m sorry we don’t see eye-to-eye on the issues presented. The main one for me was not so much the fact the Army doesn’t take care of you or that it doesn’t solve fiscal issues. It was the fact that it has become a highly commercialized corporation, willing to sell itself on advertising principles rather than portraying any time-honored legacy. The fact that you did the percentage math and reduced those 552 souls with families to odds that “you would take to Vegas” only reinforces my point of the contradictory stance of the Army.

It’ll take great care of you, No. 551. Overall, I’m very glad to hear about someone else’s experience in the Army. Apparently our separate experiences were very different.

— Jeff Miller Star columnist

Gay marriage a legal matter, not Christian institution

This is in response to Clint Pulpan’s letter to the editor in the March 11 issue of The University Star.

I would like to address your statement that marriage is a Christian institution. I will not deny that it is and that it bears great religious significance for Christians, but it is also a legal institution, and the United States is a country, not a church. Therefore, it is concerned with marriage only as a legal arrangement. By the way, I would like to remind you that our founding fathers were deists, not Christians, so to say that our laws are based on morals is correct; I must disagree that they are based on Christianity.

I also would like to dispute your interpretation of the Ninth Amendment.

It only states that non-enumerated rights that are already enjoyed by the people should not be denied them by the government simply because they are not listed. It does not state that the Constitution may not be amended in the future to grant rights that were not enjoyed in 1790. To suggest that because homosexuality was forbidden at that time it should continue to be forbidden today is to state that the 13th, 15th and 19th Amendments are unconstitutional. That would say that neither women nor African-Americans should have the right to vote and that slavery should be reinstituted because that was the state of affairs at the time the Constitution was written.

Considering the general trends of American history, I feel extremely confident suggesting that, whenever the question of whether we should constitutionally deny to a specific group a right that most citizens enjoy, the answer should be a universal “No.” — John Roesler English junior Advertising Rep.................................Adam Herman, ah1179@txstate.edu Advertising Rep.............................Richard Para, Jr., rp1060@txstate.edu Classifieds Manager........Chris Guadiano, starclassifieds@txstate.edu Publications Coor..............Linda Allen, starbusinessoffice@txstate.edu Publications Director.............Bob Bajackson, stardirector@txstate.edu

Visit The Star online at www.UniversityStar.com

The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University-San Marcos published Tuesday through Thursday during the Fall and Spring semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. with a daily circulation of 8,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.

Copyright March 23, 2004. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief.

INTERACTIVE

high priestess showcases

multimedia projects

BY BRANDON COBB TRENDS REPORTER

Laurel

MoveOn.org brings people

BY BRANDON COBB TRENDS REPORTER

AUSTIN — In his treatise Politics, Aristotle said, “If liberty and equality … are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be best attained when all persons alike share in the government to the utmost.” In our version of democracy, however, it is the few people with enormous amounts of money and influence who actually share in the government.

Politically speaking, the average citizen is a mere drop in the ocean. But combined with millions of other disenfranchised voters, these citizens form a mas-

Zach

Exley

sive tidal wave of political power. MoveOn.org, a political organization designed to bring ordinary people back into politics, recognizes this potential and serves as a rallying point for political advocacy.

“We’re not building anything new,” explained Zach Exley, MoveOn.org’s organizing director. “We’re rebuilding something that used to exist.”

Exley lamented the loss of communication between representatives and their constituencies during Sunday’s keynote address at the South By Southwest interactive festival.

The proliferation of special interest groups and powerful lobbies has “severed the connection between the public and their elected officials,” Exley said.

This is where MoveOn.org comes in. By building political advocacy groups from the ground up, using a grassroots approach and allowing its members to steer its agenda, the organization is quickly becoming a powerhouse of political influence that is directly in the hands of its members. Rather than use the Republican National Committee’s “command and control”

Parsier

back into politics

method of directing its 6 million member mailing list, MoveOn.org instead gives its members suggestions or alerts them to possible action, rather than demanding they obey ironclad orders.

“We don’t tell our members to ‘do this’ or ‘do that,’” Exley continued. “Instead, we approach them with a little more dignity and say, ‘We know you are intelligent and politically active, so here are some things that you may want to participate in.’” Not only does this approach avoid insulting the intelligence of its members, but it also affords these members the opportunity to spread their messages to a wider audience of like-minded individuals with astonishing speed.

A small group of MoveOn.org members on the East Coast planned a candlelight vigil against the war last year and within five days, with the support of the site’s network, was able to transform its small, local protest into a nationwide political statement involving thousands of supporters. This same g See SXSW, page 8

Eli

AUSTIN — Starting off the interactive portion of South by Southwest on Saturday was the keynote speech of the day by Brenda Laurel, purple-moon.com founder and interactive high priestess.

A former game developer with Atari’s Advanced Research Division and current chair of the graduate media design program at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif., Laurel greeted attendees with her saucy blend of intellect and radiantly spiritual ideology.

“Our media design program,” Laurel explained, “captures the natural energy of young people’s desire to change the world.”

This isn’t just flowery language. Laurel proudly displayed several inspiring multimedia projects designed by her graduate students that illustrated their ability to create visually stunning art fused with a social consciousness.

One piece titled “Seams” contrasted glossy, ostentatious fashion pictorials with information designed to spread awareness of the sweatshop labor involved in producing the garments depicted.

“Enabling Design,” an experimental hybrid alphabet designed by another graduate student, combined Roman characters imbedded within traditional Braille symbols designed to expedite assimilation of Braille by seniors who are losing their sight.

After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Laurel’s students launched Upshift.com, a site dedicated to promoting hybrid vehicles and informing consumers about the consequences of owning fuel-guzzling sport utility vehicles.

Socially progressive mentoring has propelled her to the forefront of multimedia education and design, but Laurel’s most impressive presentation of the day, however, involved her contributions to the realm of virtual reality. In 1992 she headed the Placeholder Virtual Reality project that set out to prove that human interaction in a computer-generated environment was possible. Today, the work she began is continued by Char Davies’ 30 frameper-second virtual reality world, “Osmose,” a total immersion environment replete with shimmering waterfalls and lush landscapes. Scenes from this virtual reality world shine like some futuristic, psychedelic utopia where the “immersant” has the ability to fly effortlessly through one magnificent panorama after another.

Laurel’s virtual reality worlds are not constructs of technology alone, however. Trans-personal psychology, a hybrid of Buddhism, Daoism, Eastern Orthodox Christianity and American Transcendentalism, shapes her virtual worlds making them as ethereal as they are spiritually grounded in the “real world.” From the early 8-bit Atari games of the ’80s, to the virtual environments of tomorrow, Laurel has been on the cutting edge of interactive design for the past 20 years and continues to spearhead multimedia development with the keen eye of an artist, the inspiring mind of an educator and the compassionate heart of a philanthropist.

Techies unite to salute industry’s movers, shakers

BY BRANDON COBB TRENDS REPORTER

AUSTIN — The South by Southwest interactive festival is Austin’s yearly salute to the movers and shakers of the multimedia world, featuring influential game and Web designers, graphic artists, political activists and the occasional “erotic spiritualist.” In one day of bobbing between panels, you’re likely to hear discussions on how blogging is reshaping democracy in the United States, tips for paving your new career in the entertainment design world and how to avoid those annoying Internet dating site predators.

Interaction is the key to the interactive festival, provided you are in the know concerning the tech world.

Every type of cutting-edge, handheld wireless electronic device imaginable,

from iPods to GPS locator-equipped digital cameras, is proudly displayed — and those are just the gadgets you see on the geeks waiting in line to collect their badges. Computer junkies crowd the convention center hallways, crouched in every possible crevice with their wireless Web-ready laptops, gabbing away in a SXSW chat room with other technophiles seated, ironically, directly across the hallway from them. Everyone is multi-tasking.

Taking notes with my ballpoint pen and scratch paper, I felt like some dusty relic from a long forgotten era; I may as well have been scrawling on parchment with a quill and ink.

Technological inadequacies aside, the 2004 SXSW interactive festival will certainly be remembered as the year that politics reigned supreme.

Several of the keynote speakers and prominent panelists focused on tech-

nology’s surprising role in the 2004 political arena, namely Howard Dean campaign’s enormous success with fund-raising and grassroots organizing via the Internet. Members of MoveOn.org captivated a capacity crowd of eager, tech-savvy listeners with their infectious brand of motivational activism.

At a panel discussing the burgeoning “edutainment” field, I witnessed teachers from all disciplines and walks of life discuss deep-seeded fears that technology will eventually replace them, or at least, reduce them to game facilitators. Away from the politically correct culture of the PTA where these educators are often hamstringed when it comes to expressing their opinions, honest dialogue about issues in education emerged. In the consequence free environment of a Q&A session, they were able to discuss honestly the

notion that children today have reduced attention spans.

Friendster.com founder Jonathan Abrams discussed how his idea of a new way to “hook up” on the Internet, transformed into one of the most popular networking sites today. Rather than creating a site such as HotOrNot.com or Match.com, where members pray their friends don’t see their profiles for fear of appearing desperate, with Friendster you are actually encouraged by your friends to join them.

“I had this friend named Christian, who would like to be called Bob to protect his identity … (who) had a vast amount of platonic girlfriends, but would always seem to be hooking up with their single girlfriends. I thought this was a great idea,” Abrams said. g See TECHIES, page 8

TRENDS

GOES

Interactive Brenda

SXSW

The University Star

Trendy Tuesday, March 23, 2004 Page 7

thoughts

This week’s question: What did you do for Spring Break?

“I went to Vegas. I don’t really remember; (it’s) just one giant blur.”

— Andy Arismendi business/marketing senior

Spr “I we ing nt t o B som reak Padr .M e e exe — Eri thing exic for rcis c R els o w o as e e enc and driqu !” e fr spo ez esh rts ma sci n

t den a u t n S no he h t ectio ver.” t i w n n ent r Con to De ver ation w I e “ nte trip Wea unic u e Vol ervic Jared comm s — al r tion senio a z ani org

TRENDS

SXSW: Fest sparks voices

8 - The University Star

g Cont. from page 7

technique also allowed MoveOn.org to premiere its documentary Uncovered: The Whole Truth About The Iraq War in homes nationwide last year.

Members logged on to the site and volunteered to host viewing parties, some of only a handful of people, some as large as several hundred. “(MoveOn.org is) here by accident,” Exley said of MoveOn.org’s enormous success. “We have all had projects that never took off for one reason or another.”

Part of the reason for this success is the site’s ability to allow its members to communicate with each other, sharing ideas and information, without interference by some intermediary.

Members decide on the area of concern, and once a group is formed, MoveOn.org provides the tools necessary to impact the system and effect change.

“Many of our members are new to politics,” said Eli Parsier, MoveOn.org campaigns director. “Most are not political activists.”

And while this means many MoveOn.org members are inexperienced, it also means they are not frustrated and irrevocably cynical about

Experts: Tech jobs have room to grow

the political system in the United States.

MoveOn.org’s latest challenge to its members was to create 30-second anti-Bush campaign advertisements.

The results were astonishing.

Television-worthy ads streamed in from all across the country, and the winners found their way onto the MoveOn Web site. Several of the top contenders, including the winning ad, “Child’s Play,” actually made it onto local television stations.

This is the genius of MoveOn.org.

It provides a forum for ordinary people with important and relevant messages to reach those with similar ideologies to initiate change. And while the average citizen is often less of a participant in the political process and more of a political panhandler, MoveOn.org and its members are rebuilding the network of solidarity and communication that may soon be powerful enough to topple the seemingly insurmountable obstacle of special interests and political lobbyists that stifle the voice of the ordinary citizen. And most importantly, MoveOn.org accomplishes this by inspiring its members to think, create and organize in a collective hive of frenetic energy, rather than simply obey the voice of some distant autocrat.

BY SUSAN CHANDLER CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Gina Vermiglio, mechanical engineering student at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, isn’t anxious about finding a job when she graduates in two years. Her circle of friends, including a boyfriend who graduates in December, isn’t worried either.

Vermiglio’s brainy crowd may not be fretting about U.S. engineering jobs moving to India and China, but everyone else seems to be.

The angst about the loss of hightech, white-collar jobs is busting out all over, from the covers of Time and BusinessWeek magazines to the stump speeches of presidential candidate John Kerry. The Sturm und Drang is palpable on techie Web sites such as YourJobIsGoingToIndia.com.

Yet a growing number of experts are speaking up to argue the “offshoring” crisis is seriously overblown, particularly when it comes to information technology jobs.

“Despite all this hysteria, we still grew IT jobs by 10 percent last year. Do you think you’re any less reliant on technology today than you were four years ago?” asks John McCarthy, a researcher with Forrester Research, a technology research and consulting firm in Cambridge, Mass.

Sure, some high-tech and engineering jobs are going to Asia. Some 290,000 IT jobs have moved offshore since 1999, Forrester estimates. Many of them are relatively low-level positions such as code writers or program debuggers, say those who track job shifts.

But the hand-wringers are overlooking an even bigger phenomenon: An ongoing shortage of high-tech workers in this country that has been only partially allayed by importing foreign tech workers.

The shortfall will only get bigger, economic experts say, as robots take over more factories and new doctors perform minimally invasive surgery using computers and miniature cameras. Even our houses are going hightech, with fancy sound systems and nanny cams to monitor the hired help.

“We have been avoiding the need for

TECHIES: Gather to celebrate

g Cont. from page 7

Abrams took this idea of networking through friends of friends, a sort of Internet “cocktail party,” and created Friendster.com. Within a year, the site now boasts more than 2 million members with plans for spin-offs and a possible reality TV show.

Five days of tech, blogs and rock ’n’ roll ended with a bang as a joint panel presented “The Life and Times of Bill Hicks,” a witty, emotional retrospective of the United States’ least appreciated and most influential stand-up comic and political satirist.

Panelists included friends, journalists and comic promoters, all who admired Hicks for his intelligent and insightfully angry wit. Several clips from Hicks’ appearances on the comic circuit featured his notoriously antag-

Tuesday, March 23, 2004

onistic relationship with audiences who often just didn’t understand his message. During one particularly difficult night, fueled by the frustration of an especially obtuse crowd and several cocktails before the show, Hicks reached critical meltdown during a bit titled “F**k Your Lord” — a commentary on the hypocrisy of many Christians. Other bits showcased Hicks’ brilliant comic timing, even at the tender age of 18, a time when he was becoming a regular at many Houston comedy venues.

As I watched the grainy footage from this comic guru’s Late Night with David Letterman appearances from the mid-’80s, my stack of disorganized paper notes began to feel less like a sore thumb, and more like an indignant middle finger. We’ll miss you, Bill.

DAILY SPECIALS

Margo Cohn/Chicago Tribune via KRT Gina Vermiglio, mechanical engineering student at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, Ill., is not worried about finding a job when she graduates. more technically trained people for the last 10 years,” McCarthy said. “We’re paying the piper.”

McCarthy acknowledges he played a role in generating fears about job flight.

In late 2002, he authored a widely quoted Forrester study predicting that 3.3 million more U.S. service industry jobs and $136 billion in wages will move offshore to countries such as India, Russia, China and the Philippines during the next 15 years.

Sounds like a lot in aggregate, but that breaks down to 220,000 jobs a year, McCarthy notes, a drop in the bucket given the U.S. economy’s 130 million jobs. The domestic economy can create 220,000 jobs in a single month without breaking a sweat, economists point out, although it hasn’t happened lately — much to President Bush’s chagrin.

Of course, that doesn’t lessen the pain of a displaced white-collar worker who went into technology thinking it was secure. But McCarthy believes another force is at work.

The current anger about offshoring may reflect a more general disappointment that tech salaries have leveled off 5.75" being and stock options are no longer

handed out freely.

Dennis Roberson, former chief technology officer at Motorola Inc., has another explanation, and it has more to do with what’s happening in Washington than Bangalore, India’s high-tech capital.

“Baby Boomers are leaving the work force at an alarming rate in engineering disciplines,” Roberson said.

“Within three to five years, we will have a terrible problem in the reverse direction. We won’t have enough people to satisfy the demand for tech jobs in the U.S.” No wonder IIT students aren’t worried. During the last three years, the job placement rate for IIT engineering graduates was 96 percent.

Still, there’s rising concern that the offshoring talk is scaring away students from technology and computer sciences.

Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates is so concerned that he toured five college campuses in February including MIT, Harvard and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to reassure computer science students that lucrative livelihoods still await them.

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You should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. Please call 877-518-9161 for a prospectus that contains this and other information. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC and Teachers Personal Investors Services, Inc. distribute securities products. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. © 2004 Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association-College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF), 730 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017 C31474

Tuesday, March 23, 2004

College Guy by Christy Gray

Spring Break is awesome!

The Break is over, and you have class in 5 minutes.

AMUSEMENTS

The University Star - 9

What? You mean this isn’t Mexico?

Tequila educed memory loss.

Entertainment Briefs

Today’s slang

Younger Affleck Nick and Jessica head to ABC with expecting child While his older brother, new variety show

WB pretty

Jessica Simpson is about to break out of basic cable onto the big networks!

ABC has announced The Nick and Jessica Variety Hour, which, as the title may suggest, will be a variety show featuring sketches and musical performances starring Simpson and her MTV surreality costar and hubby, Nick Lachey.

The show, to air April 11, will be guested by Jewel, Babyface, Kenny Rogers, Baseball Hall of Famer Johnny Bench, Mr. T, Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy.

Benjamin, endlessly excogitates on exactly what to say when ex-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez returns the $2.5 mil pink diamond engagement ring he gave her last year, Casey Affleck is actually creating something real. And that would be a baby. According to People, the 29-year-old minor actor and his gal, the equally minor actor Summer Phoenix, are expecting in May. Ben tells the Chicago Sun-Times that the couple was keeping the kid a secret from the prying public, and that no, “they’re not going to get married,” thank you very much.

Briefs are from wire reports.

The kind of good looks actors on WB shows display (oh so beautiful but not so bright).

Originated on the Cartoon Network show Mission Hill.

Example: That girl was WB pretty.

You know, because she couldn’t name a U.S. senator but could tell me what happened on One Tree Hill last night.

the university star classifieds

Classified ads are accepted by phone or email only if payment is made by credit card or if the client has established billing status. The deadline for all classified ads is noon two business days prior to publication. No physical addresses or names will be printed in ads placed under the heading of “Personals.” All classified ads must be paid in advance unless credit has been established. There are no refunds on classified ads. There is no charge for “Lost call call 245-3487 245-3487 or or email email starclassifieds@txstate.edu starclassifieds@txstate.edu and Found” ads. Check your classified ad for accuracy. Any changes must be made by the second day of publication. To change or cancel your ad, please call 512-245-3487 or email starclassifieds@txstate.edu The University Use the following formula when determining the cost Star reserves the right to refuse, edit, discontinue or classify ads under appropriate headings. Please remember it HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD: for your ad: 1. Provide your name, address, and phone number to us by is always in your best interest to research or investigate any company from which you plan to purchase a good or fax, e-mail, mail or phone.

Number of words x appropriate rate per word service. University/Non-Profit Classified Rates apply to campus departments, official student organizations of Texas 2.. Provide the written text of your ad. Certain conditions + 5¢ per bolded words State University-San Marcos and recognized non-profit organizations. This rate includes classified ads placed by apply. Please read all policies and terms. + 5¢ per italicized words students, faculty and staff under the headers of “Personals,” “For Rent” and “Roommates.” Ads placed by stu+ $10 typing fee for ads over 50 words University/Non-Profit Classified Rate is 15¢ per word. dents, faculty and staff for personal profit will be charged the Local Classified Rate.The Local Classified Rate + $10 for ads not run consecutive days Local Classified Rate is 25¢ per word.

Take number form above and x by the number of applies to all advertising that does not fall under the area of University/Non-Profit Rate or is for straight profit. days you would like your ad to run to determine the “For Rent” and “Help Wanted” ads placed by businesses will be charged the Local Classified Rate.

Extra services that are offered: TOTAL COST. 5¢ per bolded or italicized word. Please indicate.

10 - Tuesday, March 23, 2004

announcements

GET TRULY EXCELLENT TUTORING FROM THE STUDY NOOK! * Only 2 blocks from campus! * Only $30/hr. * Discounts Available Stop stressing and start addressing YOUR study needs!

To call for an appointment: 512-665-1230.

automotive

Honda, Chevy, Jeep, Toyota, etc.

From $500. Police Impound. For listing: (800)719-3001, ext. 7462.

for rent

Country setting 2/1 ceiling fans, close to town & TSU ce/ch, no smoking $500 + deposit.

557-4054.

(4/1) ____________________________ Sublease 1 bd/ 1 bth in a 4/4 at the University Club ASAP through August. 512-757-1906.

(3/25) ____________________________ Let others pay your rent! Own your own mobile home already on lot. 3/2, 99’ model in great shape.

A steal at $22,900 (512)567-7709.

(3/25) ____________________________ 3/2.5 Huge Duplex! $1100, on Tx State shuttle, Move in 8/20/04.

1600 sq ft. Large closets. W/D, 2 garage, no pets, www.sagewoodtrailduplexes.com or Mike 665-2772.

(4/29) ____________________________ Two people needed to sublease 2 bed/ 2 bath apartment. Available immediately through August.

(512)805-4163.

(3/31) ____________________________ Pre-lease Today. 8/20/04 3 blocks from TxState. $735/mo. 2br/2.5ba TH. $300/dep., Full size w/d, FREE ROADRUNNER & HBO. No dogs 396-4181 or windmilltownhomes.com ____________________________ Duplex-Preleasing for 8/20.

3 blocks from Tx State. 2 br/2 ba, $785. Full-size w/d, FREE ROADRUNNER & HBO, 396-4181 or windmilltownhomes.com ____________________________ FREE cable for 2 months, with 2 bdrm/ 2 bath at 1400 Clarewood.

Apt. Lease available on April 1st for $725/month, no deposit, newly remodeled. Call Harris at 396-0549. (3/24)

for rent

Funky old house right by campus.

2/1, storage room ( or small third bedroom) w/d, pet’s o.k. $780/mo.

393-3300.

(3/25) ____________________________ Sublease room at THE Zone for low price of $345 a month, June only. Free internet, cable and phone, w/d. Low monthly utility bill. Female roommate wanted.

Call Melody 210-394-9150. e-mail mp1102@txstate.edu (4/1) ____________________________ $380 per mo., all bills paid, fully furnished, on bus route.

512-878-0777.

(4/6) ____________________________ Trailer for rent. $600/month or $300.month w/ roommate + utilities. Sharon 754-9039 or 353-8985.

(4/1) ____________________________ 1 br/ 1ba HOUSE. 8/21/04 MOVE IN, Huge yard. $695 + $300 dep. 900sf, 2 blocks from SWT. 396-4181.

(4/24) ____________________________ $735 Preleasing for 5/20/04.

3 blocks from Tx State.

2 br/2.5 ba townhouse 1050 sf.

Full-size w/d, FREE ROADRUNNER & HBO, 396-4181 or windmilltownhomes.com (4/24) ____________________________ Sublease my large one bedroom 1 1/2 bathroom apartment in April.

Cheap rent: Call Crystal for details. 557-3406.

(4/1) ____________________________ 2/1 house. Historic District.

Hardwood floors. Fenced yard.

Pet’s OK. $700/month.

557-0961.

(3/31) ____________________________ 2/2 Condo, Washer/Dryer, Walking distance to TX State. $675 (512) 784-6598.

(3/31) ____________________________ Available now. 2 brand new homes for lease or purchase in Kyle. 3/2/2 w/ all appliances including washer and dryer. 1 month free w/ one year lease. Call Norman (512)268-6325 or (512)699-1587.

(4/1) ____________________________ Roommate wanted, $200/month + utilities, call Nathan (512)878-1846. ____________________________ Live rent free! Buy my big, near new 3/2 mobile home. Sell when graduate. I’ll finance/ good credit.

Payments $165/mo. ($18,500) After 5 p.m. 512-868-3900/ 738-0652.

350 N. Guadalupe St. Ste. 140 San Marcos, TX

805-0500

49¢ Color Copies Self Service/Thru March 31th with coupon

* Mailbo xes Availab le * Across from Downtown Post Office

is now accepting applications.

Visit our stores or apply online at bobcatbooks.com

Need your

wisdom teeth removed?

Right now PPD Development is looking for men for a post surgical pain relief research study. The surgery is performed by a board certified oral surgeon and managed by Austin Oral

for rent

1b, 2b, 3b & rooms, next to Tx State. Good prices. Why shuttle or commute? Large pool, upgraded apartments, wooden or tile floors, preleasing May & August. Call 392-2700, or 757-1943.

(3/31) ____________________________ Part of the drama. Female roommate ISO to male roommates. $250 per person. 210-387-8831.

(3/25) ____________________________ Awesome Deal 1/1, $395, gas, water, trash incld. Now pre-leasing Apt. Experts 805-0123.

(4/29) ____________________________ Townhome Community 1/1.5, $436, 2/1.5, $545 w/ dryer incl. $0 app. & 1/2 off dep. Now preleasing. Apt. Experts 805-0123.

(4/29) ____________________________ Great views of Tx State.

1/1 $435 +, 2/1 $550+, Now preleasing for Fall ‘04. Pet friendly.

Apt. Experts. 805-0123.

(4/29) ____________________________ Brand New Community. Fully furn., most bills pd. Ethernet, local ph, w/d incl. $399 +, AE 805-0123. (4/29) ____________________________ Texas Size Townhomes.

1 & 2 bdrms $495, most bills paid w/cable. Pets ok. Apartment Experts 805-0123.

(4/29) ____________________________ Industrial Modern Living. $375 +, cable, ethernet, phone & w/d incl. AE 805-0123.

(4/29) ____________________________ Downstairs 1 bedroom apartment. $400/monthly, $200 deposit.

754-0954.

(3/26) ____________________________ Great Community.

1/1 $460 +, 2/1 $480+, on shuttle, pets ok. Now preleasing for May ‘04!!! Apartment Experts 805-0123.

(3/25) ____________________________ $100 prelease + bonus offer, 3 bedroom 3 bathrooms w/d 396-1520.

(2/3?) ____________________________ NO RENT TILL APRIL!!

1/1 $495+, 2/2 $685+, 3/2 $699+, w/dryer included (rest. apply) Apt. Experts 805-0123.

(4/29) ____________________________ Big Dogs Okay!

Walk or shuttle to class. most bills pd. w/cable. 1/1 $450+, 2/2 $595 + Apt. Experts. 805-0123.

(4/29) ____________________________ Small Community, 1/1 $450, 2/2 $650, with free wireless internet. Pet’s o.k Apt. Experts 805-0123.

(4/29) ____________________________ ON A BUDGET? So am I. That’s why we have Langtry Apartments. 205 Craddock Ave., Waiting for you. 2 bedroom 2 bath apartment homes with washer/dryer ready for you to move-in today. Only $650 per month. Who said living in San Marcos had to be expensive?

Langtry Apartments 396-2673.

(4/29) ____________________________ TWO BEDROOM FOR THE PRICE OF A ONE! That's right!

Rent a two bedroom for the price of a one bedroom. You pay only $575.00 a month. Move in today to West End Condominium # 3.

1221 West Hopkins. VJE Realty Group 353-3002.

(4/29)

Summertime!

for rent

Skinny Dippin! In the middle of Winter! Our Skinny prices are dippin even lower! One bedroom now only $575.00. Washer/Dryer, microwave, free high speed internet with no dial-up and resort style amenities. Call the Metropolitan 393-6000.

(4/29) ____________________________ Privacy, Privacy and More Privacy! A place of your own!

Stadium view apartments has a few 1 bedroom 1 bath homes for you. Fireplaces, ceiling fans, PRIVATE outside storage and covered parking await you.

On-Site laundry, pool, and spa are only one call away. VJE Realty 353-3002.

(4/29) ____________________________ Ready & Waiting! Nice, 1 bedroom , 1 bath studio home.

1642 Post Road. lot’s of storage and yard area. VJE Realty 353-3002.

(4/29) ____________________________ 1 bd APT. $395/mo.

353-5051.

(4/29)

for sale

Kroeler love-seat, $68, solid oak dresser w/ mirror, $75, heavy pine bunk bed complete, $158, backgammon set, $10, nice roll around office chair w/arms, $48, queen mattress set, $65. Partins’ Furniture. 2108 Ranch Road 12.

396-4684. Free Delivery.

(3/25) ____________________________ Brand new wedding dress. $400 obo. Solid wood vanity, $75. Solid oak computer desk w/ hutch $100.

20” monitor, $50.

878-8175.

(3/25) ____________________________ Like new 65” Connely Rocket Tournament water ski w/ dbl boots & case. $100. 738-1658.

(3/25)

help wanted

Health Club hiring experienced sales people. 353-0789.

(4/1) ____________________________ New Braunfels Smoke House now hiring waitstaff and cooks. Apply at restaurant. 146 Hwy 46 East.

830-625-2416.

(4/1) ____________________________ Nanny needed for 3 boys ages 7, 5, 3. This position is for much more then a “babysitter”. you will be responsible for planning activities, thorugh out the day, preparing meals and some light housekeeping. Must be English speaking and have own transportation. Hours full-time in summer and part-time in Fall.

Excellent references required.

Please call 754-8659 for more information. ____________________________ Going to be here this summer?

Make some big $. Operate a fireworks stand in Canyon Lake.

Please Call 392-4007. ____________________________ The Tavern now taking applications. Needed: 2 females for bar staff. no experience necessary. We will train. Apply between 1-4 p.m daily. Absolutely no phone calls. 21 and up preferred. ____________________________ Needed: waiters/waitresses/cooks at Papa Docks Restaurant in Canyon Lake. Possible $300-700 weekly. Apply in person. Tues-Fri between 2-5. FM 306 at Canyon Lake Marina. (4/8)

NOW IS THE TIME TO GET READY!

Surgery Associates by James R. Fricke, Jr. DDS, MSD. Financial compensation is provided.

For more information, call:

1-800-866-0492

Leave RazorBurn behind.

All Areas Face, Back, Arms, Bikini, Legs

S e n s i b l y P ri c e d $75 a Zone For Men &Women

Free Consult L ASER H AIR R EMOVAL & E LECTROLYSIS removing hair since 1989 1305 Wonder World #203 San Marcos 754–0400

help wanted

!Bartending! $300 a day potential, no exp. necessary, training provided 800-965-6520 x157.

(4/29) ____________________________ Personal Care Assistant needed for quadriplegic man. Applicants must be able to lift 150 lbs. They must also have a good driving record.

Full-time and part-time positions available. Experience is not necessary. Please call 512-280-5402 or 512-589-7327, if there is no answer leave voicemail and your call will be returned. ____________________________ Make money taking Online surveys. Earn $10-$125 for surveys.

Earn $25-$250 for focus groups.

Visit www.cash4students.com/swtxsu (3/31) ____________________________ Bartender trainees needed. $250 a day potential. Local positions.

1-800-293-3985 ext 316. (4/26) ____________________________ Soccer coaches wanted for youth soccer league. Great experience, resume builder! Contact Tony tlashley@aegistg.com (3/25) ____________________________ Webmaster wanted for local youth soccer organization. Volunteer only. Great resume builder.

Contact Tony at tlashley@aegistg.com (3/25) ____________________________ The City of New Braunfels is accepting applications for seasonal positions in the park and Recreation Department: park rangers, lifeguards, cashiers, attendants, asst. managers, river spotters, laborers, counselors and swim instructors. Positions open until filled. Must be at least 16 YOA. 15 - 40hrs/wk, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.

Starting pay range is $6.91 $10.00 depending upon position.

For more info. call 830-608-2160 or on the city website: www.ci.new-braunfels.tx.us (4/1) ____________________________ Athletic, outgoing students for calendar greeting cards, etc. $50 - 150/hr no exp needed.

512-684-8296. (4/29) ____________________________ SUMMER CAMP JOBS IN COLORADO --- Make a difference in the life of a girl at Girl Scout overnight camps in the mountains SW of Denver. General Counselors, Program Specialists (Western horseback riding, backpacking, crafts, nature, sports/archery, challenge course, farm, dance & drama) and Administrative Positions. Late May – early August. Competitive salary, housing, meals, health insurance, travel and end-of-season bonuses. For an application, e-mail campjobs@gsmhc.org or call 303-607-4819. (4/29) ____________________________ Get paid for your opinions!

Earn $15-$125 and more per survey! www.paidonlinesurveys.com (4/29) ____________________________ Arabian Horses: several open positions:Ranch in SM, close to campus, flex hrs.

1.hoof trimmer hrly $ or trade.

2.temp ranch hand $6hr.

3.serious/exp trainers--negot pay.

4.good riders who love to ride$open!

5.attractive models who ride well-trade photos.

6.secretary--coordinate, manage, research--open$ *Riding lessons available.

Project: Got 14 horses and more foaling. And a website (texasarabianhorses.com).. working on photos/text to showcase, market, and sell 11 horses in 6 months. Experience and time are negotiable

STERLING UNIVERSITY

SPRINGS APARTMENTS

Ethernet Included Washer/Dryer Private Bed & Bath On Bus Route

help wanted

commodities. Pay you in cash when possible or trade when agreeable ..! Email resume , aspirations, services to: Nabil@Haysco.net. However, if imperative my cell 210-367-7842 and 353-3477 ranch. ____________________________ Are you a dynamic, compassionate, motivated individual looking for the EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME? If so then Horizon Camps is the place for you.

Horizon Camps is made up of three OUTSTANDING co-ed summer camps, seeking AMAZING staff to work with INCREDIBLE kids ranging in age from 7 to 15. Located in NY, PA, and WV, positions are available in the areas of group leading, athletics, theatre-arts, water sports, outdoor education, and so much more. For more information and to complete an application please contact us... www.horizoncamps.com 1-800-544-5448.

miscellaneous

STUDY ABROAD: Study Abroad with Nicholls State: For 6 credit hours of credit ($1740 - Costa Rica), ($1707 - Mexico), ($1672 - Ecuador), ($1918 Spain), ($3263 - Paris), ($3144 Nice), ($2097 - Austria), ($1916 Italy for 3 credits). Longer programs for more credit are available. No Deadlines. For all levels.

985-448-4440/toll-free = 1-877-Nicholls, www.nicholls.edu

roommates

Sublease in a 4 bd/4ba, all bills paid except electricity. $355/month. 361-564-8476. ____________________________ 2 F Clean roommates needed.

Furnished, nice house $375/mo. + 1/3 utilities. 805-0299. ____________________________ Green-minded female. Bedrooms. $325+ 1/3 bills, $200/deposit. No pets, no tobacco. Available April 1st. Big house on campus. Call (512)754-8434.

services

Is money your obstacle?

We have your loans today!

We’re close to campus and here for you. Stereo’s, DVD’s, Jewelry and more. San Marcos Pawn.

164 S. Guadalupe, 396-7296. ____________________________ Typing etc! Audio transcription, resumes, notary public, applications, binding, editing, bumper stickers, tables, etc.

392-9880. ____________________________ Professional Photographer Specializes in weddings, portraits & modeling. Visit my website @ www.ashleyhorton.com For Additional info. Please contact me via e-mail @ ah1005@txstate.edu ____________________________ aplusapts.tv why waste time when you can shop online! Or stop in at 325 E. Hopkins. ____________________________ myGOLDresume.com 866.290.3030.

wanted

Buying DVD movies, in good working condition. Sell your old movies and make $$$. Call Neal in SM at 395-7469. ____________________________ Wanted: Used cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Any condition, running or not. If you have something to sell, please call Willis Mitchell at 353-4511.

LOWEST TEXTBOOK PRICES

353-2234 EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

GUARANTEED!

www.bobcatbooks.com

S PO RT S

Softball: Raiders swept S c o r e b o a r d

Tuesday, March 23, 2004

Today’s

g Cont. from page 12

intentionally walked.

Wolter grounded to the shortstop and Sharp was forced out at third, but it was enough to score Hodge from third.

Texas State then blew the game wide open in the seventh, as left fielder Amy Krueger scored Snow and pinch runner Danielle Vice with a single. After Hodge scored on a wild pitch, Zaleski singled, plating Krueger with the game’s final run.

Pitcher Nicole Neuerburg, the Southland Conference Pitcher of the Week for the fourth consecutive week, got the win after allowing an earned run on four hits and fanning nine, improving to 19-3 on the year.

Neuerburg now has 947 career strikeouts, which is 23rd in NCAA Division I history.

“Nicole is the easiest pitcher I’ve ever had to work with,” said catcher Rachel Bonetti. “She knows what I’m going to call before I call it. It’s nice to have that kind of chemistry.”

Tech jumped out in the first inning of the second game as well, scoring a run in the bottom of the first, but the Bobcats responded immediately with three in the second.

Pitcher Katie Ann Trahan reached on an error to open the inning and scored on Snow’s sixth home run of the season, a two-run blast that gave the Bobcats a 2-1 lead. Texas State would add another run in the inning on Krueger’s RBI single that scored Sharp from third.

The Bobcats added three more in the third as Zaleski led off with a walk and Wolter followed by reaching on an error. Second baseman Ashley Wilson advanced both runners with a sacrifice bunt, before Trahan singled, scoring Zaleski and Wolter. Hodge sent Trahan to the plate with a two-out single, making the score 6-1.

That was when Tech began to chip away at the lead, as it scored an unearned run in the fourth and added two in the seventh before Trahan got the final out on a groundout.

Also included in the winning streak are three-

game sweeps against SLC rivals Southeastern Louisiana University and McNeese State University, respectively and sandwiched inbetween those series was a showdown on the road with the 10th-ranked University of LouisianaLafayette Ragin’ Cajuns.

Neuerburg threw a two-hit shutout, striking out nine and Trahan provided the game’s only offense with a solo home run in the fourth inning off ULL pitcher Brooke Mitchell.

“When Neuerburg is focused and wants to dominate, she is one of the best in the country,” said Texas State coach Ricci Woodard. “All I have to do is jump on her a little and let her know that she is the leader of this team and when she dominates, we dominate.”

The loss ended ULL’s 33-game home winning streak as well as Mitchell’s personal 18-game winning streak and dropped her record to 19-2 on the season. The teams were scheduled to play a second game but it was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

After the win against the Ragin’ Cajuns, Texas State came home for the three-game sweep against McNeese, with two Bobcats making history Sunday.

Neuerburg threw a complete game shutout as the Bobcats beat the Cowgirls 8-0 in five innings Sunday, improving to 18-3 on the season. The win was Neuerburg’s 100th as a Bobcat, the first Texas State pitcher and 32nd in NCAA Division I history to achieve that feat.

“It’s a really special feeling,” Neuerburg said of her 100th win. “I had no idea it was even coming up, I don’t even know my record. It makes me think of all I’ve put into this program and it’s just really special.”

But Neuerburg was not the only one who made history, as the Bobcats’ win in Saturday’s second game of the doubleheader was the 162nd of Woodard’s career at Texas State, putting her atop that list.

Woodard passed Pam Wuestenburg, who guided the program during its first 10 years, 1985-94, and did it in just 3 1/2 seasons.

Baseball: Men 1-2 in SLC g Cont. from page 12

runs of their own in the first as well when Tierce drove in Ramos with an RBI single. Martinez then scored on a fielder’s choice to make the score 3-2.

Lamar added to their lead in the third inning, scoring on yet another unearned run to make the score 4-2.

Martinez tripled to lead off the fifth inning for the ’Cats, and Tierce singled for his second RBI of the day to make it 4-3.

The Bobcats still trailed going into the seventh inning, but that’s when the offense came to life.

Miller, designated hitter Emi Alaniz, and catcher Dawid Bednarek all had RBI singles to put the ’Cats on top 6-4.

Then second baseman Nolan Mast iced the game with a threerun double to put the Bobcats up 9-4. This marked Mast’s fist hit of the season.

“Mast has to continue to grow for us, he’s got to step up,” Harrington said. “He’s a great baseball player.”

The ’Cats would add two insurance runs in the ninth inning to make the final 11-4.

Colgan continued to be impressive pitching a complete game, giving up no earned runs and striking out seven.

“Colgan was pretty impressive,” Harrington said. “When it was raining all around him with errors, he came out and kept his poise.

Texas State finished up its

series with Lamar Sunday, and after two wild slugfests, this game turned out to be a pitcher’s duel. The two teams combined for only nine hits all afternoon.

Lamar did the only offensive damage in the second inning, scoring on RBI singles by Jeremy Gray and John Austin Emmons to make the score 2-0. Those two runs turned out to be enough, as Texas State stranded eight base runners in the game.

In a losing effort, Texas State pitcher Joey Gonzalez had a very solid outing in his first career start allowing two runs over four innings with two strikeouts.

The Bobcats next play the University of the Incarnate Word Crusaders at 6:30 p.m. today at Bobcat Field.

Brackets: Face glorious chaos g Cont. from page 12

And in so doing, they reaffirmed the initial notion that this year’s championship could be claimed by at least a dozen different teams.

There was no consensus favorite at the start, and there still isn’t. Duke . . . UConn . . .

Syracuse . . . Texas . . . Pitt . . . Oklahoma State . . . Georgia Tech . . . these appear to be the studs among those still standing.

Are we forgetting anyone?

Oh, yes. The chair recognizes the delegation from Hawk Hill. Sorry about that.

But then the Hawks are used to such slights by now. Rarely has a No. 1 had to defend its ranking so often.

But one new champion of St. Joe’s cause now stands to speak for the Hawks, a man never shy with an opinion. After scouting St. Joe’s on tape, and then after his Texas Tech team lost to the Hawks, Robert Montgomery Knight said:

“You know, winning that many games, that’s a helluva accomplishment, and I don’t care if it’s in intramural ball.”

The Hawks now find themselves in the only regional in which form has held, the only regional in which seeds 1 through 4 have made it through. St. Joe’s plays No. 4 Wake Forest, while Oklahoma State (2) and Pitt (3) meet in one of those games that ought to be played in some smoke-shrouded bar down on the docks.

The Hawks game has CBS-TV so enthralled it doesn’t bother to wipe the drool. The network has assigned Billy Packer to do the analysis.

Packer is a Wake alum. Packer dissed St. Joe’s on national television, prompting a steel-cage response from coach Phil Martelli.

You hope they both take the high road, rather than the Jerry Springer exit. The basketball can speak for itself, and should be allowed to.

The chaos, the glorious chaos, needs neither filler nor artificial flavoring.

Good Morning Commuters free coffee and doughnuts Sponsored by: Career Services

Reminder:

National Multicultural Job EXPO Wednesday, March 31 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. @ Strahan Coliseum

slc baseball Standings Teams

SLC

Northwestern St. McNeese State Lamar Texas-Arlington Southeastern La. Texas-San Antonio TEXAS STATE Sam Houston Louisiana-Monroe Nicholls State

W 3 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 0 0

Overall L 0 0 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3

PCT 1.000 1.000 .667 .667 .667 .333 .333 .333 .000 .000

W 12 13 17 14 7 10 11 5 10 9

L 8 11 6 9 10 10 12 15 12 12

PCT .600 .542 .739 .609 .412 .500 .478 .262 .455 .429

baseball VS lamar 3/21/04 R H E

Score by inning

Lamar...........................0..2..0...0...0..0...0..0...0 2 5 0 TEXAS STATE...............0..0...0...0...0..0...0..0..0 0 4 0

Lamar (17-6, SLC 2-1) Players AB R H RBI CF Emmons 4 0 1 1 SS Gray 4 0 2 1 LF Foster 3 0 0 0 1B Finan 2 0 1 0 RF Winn 4 0 0 0 3B Cantu 3 1 1 0 C Ambort 3 0 0 0 DH Allen 2 1 0 0 2B Richards 4 0 0 0 TOTALS 29 2 5 2

TEXAS STATE Texas-Arlington Texas-San Antonio Sam Houston Southeastern La. Stephen F. Austin Nicholls State Northwestern St. McNeese State Louisiana-Monroe

Gonzalez Jean Wisneski Ramos

H 5 0 0 0

W 12 7 7 7 5 6 5 3 1 0

Overall L 0 4 5 5 4 6 7 6 7 9

T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

@ LBJ Student Center

W 26 12 17 15 15 14 14 14 12 7

L 8 15 14 17 14 17 13 17 27 32

T 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Score by inning

R H E

TEXAS STATE.............0..0..1...1 ..0...0...4 Texas Tech..................1...0..0...0...0...0..0

6 13 0 1 4 2

TEXAS STATE (27-8)

Texas Tech (16-18)

Players

Players

cf rf 2b dh pr 1b c 3b ss lf

AB Zaleski 4 Wolter 5 Wilson 4 Trahan 4 Vice 0 Snow 4 Bonetti 3 Hodge 2 Sharp 4 Krueger 4 TOTALS 34

R H RBI 0 1 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 3 1 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 1 3 2 6 13 6

cf Enderlin 3b Kula rf Sigala lf Rhyne dh Moulin 1b Joachims c Lawler ph Stolle 2b Renfro ss Parker

0 0

2 2

5 22 25 0 8 10

1.0 3

2 2

PCT .765 .446 .548 .469 .517 .452 .519 .452 .308 .179

AB 3 2 3 3 2 3 2 1 3 3 25

1

1 6 7

Tx State softbalL Schedule R ER BB SO AB BF 2 2 3 2 16 20 0 0 2 0 2 4 0 0 1 1 6 7 0 0 1 0 5 6

Win - Derrick Gordon (3-1), Loss - Joey Gonzalez (0-1) Save - Jon Hunton (5) Time - 2:34, Attendance - 431

Score by inning

R H E

TEXAS STATE.............0..3..3...0 ..0...0...0 Texas Tech.................1...0..0...1...0...0...2

6 8 3 4 8 2

TEXAS STATE (28-8)

Texas Tech (16-19)

Players

Players

AB 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 TOTALS 28

cf Zaleski rf Wolter ph Bard 2b Wilson p Trahan 1b Snow c Bonetti 3b Hodge ss Sharp lf Krueger

March

26 Host Missouri....................1 p.m.

27 at SFA (2).......................1/3 p.m.

28 at SFA.................................1 p.m.

April

R H RBI 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 2 0 0 1 1 6 8 5

AB R H RBI 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 30 4 8 4

cf Enderlin 4 2 2 3b Kula 4 0 2 c Sigala 3 0 1 lf Rhyne 4 1 2 dh Moulin 4 0 0 2b Stolle 3 0 0 1b Joachims 2 0 0 ph parker 1 0 0 rf Lawler 2 0 1 ss Renfro 3 1 0

TOTALS

TEXAS STATE Pitching IP H R ER BB SO AB BF 7.0 8 4 1 2 5 30 32

Trahan R H RBI 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 4 1

Win - Nicole Neuerburg (19-3), Loss - Erin Crawford (7-6) Save - None Time - 2:13, Attendance - 103

Texas Tech Pitching IP H R ER BB SO AB BF 2.1 5 6 2 1 0 11 13 4.2 3 0 0 2 7 17 19

Tucker Planck

Win - Katie Ann Trahan (8-5), Loss - Keely Tucker (6-6) Save - None Time - 2:23, Attendance - 103

Who’s will win the

NCAA

Tournament?

No one knows, but our sports writers think they do. Check out our picks for who’s taking home top honors in the sports section tomorrow.

3 at La.-Monroe................1/3 p.m.

City of San Marcos PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT Posted - March 1, 200 The City of San Marcos needs qualified individuals to fill the following vacancies:

Summer Aquatics Program: May 17-August 14, 2004 Employees MUST be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends. More information is available through the Parks and Recreation Department, Activity Center, 393-8280. * Employees returning to the same position will be given an additional 3% pay increase per year up to 3 years.

Job #22225 LIFEGUARD/SWIMMING INSTRUCTOR: 5 positions

$7.40 per hour

Performs lifeguard duties; instructs swimming lessons; ability to learn and administer first aid and CPR; enforces safety rules; cashiers; and maintains pool area. Must be at least 16 years of age and possess both Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor Certificates. Red Cross Certification preferred, (YMCA Lifeguard and Ellis & Associates certifications may be considered.) Must attach current certifications to application.

Job #22226 LIFEGUARD: 2 positions

$6.75 per hour

Performs lifeguard duties; ability to learn and administer first aid and CPR; enforces safety rules; cashiers; maintains pool area. Must be at least 16 years of age and possess a Lifeguard Certificate. Red Cross Certification preferred, (YMCA Lifeguard and Ellis & Associates certifications may be considered.) Must attach current certification to application.

Summer Fun Program: June 7 – August 5, 2004 (Orientation: June 1 - June 4, 2004) All summer program staff must obtain certification of completion of the Red Cross First Aid/CPR Course prior to the first day of the program. Classes will be available for applicants interested in obtaining this certification. The work schedule for all summer positions is Mon.-Th., 7:30-4:30; 8:30-5:30, for nine weeks.

May be required to work overtime. More information is available through the Parks and Recreation Department, 393-8400. * Employees returning to the same position will be given an additional 3% pay increase per year up to 3 years.

Job #22217 SUMMER PROGRAM COORDINATOR: 1 position

$11.19 per hour

Management and administration of summer youth program. Plans, develops, and administers program recreational activities for approximately 700 school aged children at three sites; training, orientation, and supervision of approximately 25 summer employees. A bachelor’s degree plus two years related experience and a valid Texas Driver’s License with acceptable driving record required.

Job #22218 ASSISTANT SUMMER PROGRAM COORDINATOR: 1 position

$8.80 perhour

Assists with the management and administration of summer youth program including supervision and training of approximately 25 summer employees. Assists in preparing and scheduling on and off campus site activities. A high school diploma or equivalent plus two years related experience, and a valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record required.

Job #22219 CHALLENGE PROGRAM COORDINATOR: 1 position

$10.56 per hour

Administration of summer youth challenge program involving planning and implementation of programming recreational activities for school aged children with physical/mental disabilities including swimming and field trips. Supervises, trains, and schedules employees. A bachelor’s degree in special populations or a related field plus two years related experience. Two years of directly related experience may substitute for 30 hours of college with a maximum substitution of 60 hours and a valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record required.

Job #22220 ASSISTANT CHALLENGE PROGRAM COORDINATOR: 1 position

$6.61 per hour

Assists with the administration of the summer youth challenge program including supervising and scheduling of summer employees. Organizes recreational activities for school aged children with physical/mental disabilities; enforces safety rules; ability to learn and administer first aid. A high school diploma or equivalent plus one-year related experience, and a valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record required.

Job #22221 CHALLENGE PROGRAM AIDE: 2 positions

$6.24 per hour

Child supervision on campus sites and during transportation and field trips. Administration of recreational activities for school aged children with physical/mental disabilities including swimming and field trips; maintenance of campus site area; ability to learn and administer first aid. A high school diploma or equivalent plus experience working with physically and/or mentally challenged children required.

Job #22222 PLAYGROUND SITE SUPERVISOR: 3 positions

$7.42 per hour

Performs supervisory duties for Playground Leader positions. Supervises children, develops, and administers program recreational activities on playground campus sites for over 300 children. Maintains campus records; enforces safety rules; ability to learn and administer first aid. A high school diploma or equivalent plus two years related experience and a valid Texas Driver’s License with acceptable driving record required. Extensive experience working with children preferred.

Job #22223 ASSISTANT PLAYGROUND SITE SUPERVISOR: 3 positions

$6.61per hour

Assists with the supervision of the playground leaders. Supervises children and administers program recreational activities on playground campus sites. Maintains campus sites; enforces safety rules; ability to learn and administer first aid. A high school diploma or equivalent, and a valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record required. Experience working with young children preferred.

Job #22224 PLAYGROUND LEADER: 12 positions

Wednesday, March 24 Thursday, March 25 8 a.m.-10 a.m.

PCT 1.000 .636 .583 .583 .556 .500 .417 .333 .125 .000

SOFTBALL at tx tech (gm 1) 3/22/04

TEXAS STATE Pitching IP 4.1 0.2 2.0 2.0

SLC

Teams

Crawford Tucker

IP H R ER BB SO AB BF

6.1 4 0 2.2 0 0

SOFTBALL at tx tech (gm 2) 3/22/04

SLC SOFTBALL Standings

TX STATE (11-12, SLC 1-2) Players AB R H RBI ss Ramos 4 0 1 0 rf Martinez 3 0 0 0 cf Tierce 3 0 0 0 lf Miller 4 0 0 0 TOTALS 1b Cooper 3 0 0 0 TEXAS STATE Pitching c Bednarek 3 0 1 0 IP H R ER BB SO AB BF 0 3b Anson 3 0 0 dh Alaniz 3 0 1 0 Neuerburg 7.0 4 1 1 2 9 25 27 ph Quintana 1 0 0 0 TexasTech Pitching 2b Mast 3 0 1 0 IP H R ER BB SO AB BF TOTALS 30 0 4 0 6.0 10 4 3 3 6 28 32

Lamar Pitching

Gordon Hunton

The University Star - 11

$6.24 per hour

Child supervision on campus sites and during transportation and field trips. Administration of program recreational activities; maintenance of campus site area; ability to learn and administer first aid. Must be at least 16 years of age. Experience working with young children preferred.

All positions close March 29, 2004.

An application must be completed for each position and the job number stated.

APPLY TO: Human Resources Department, City Hall Building, 630 E. Hopkins, San Marcos, TX 78666 Phone: 512-393-8066 Fax: 512-396-4656 Job Line: 512-393-8290 Web site: www.ci.san-marcos.tx.us Email: humanresources@ci.san-marcos.tx.us *EOE/AA/Drug Free Workplace*

SOFTBALL: BOBCATS HOST MISSOURI 1 P.M. FRIDAY

Spo r t s

Tuesday, March 23, 2004

The University Star — Page 12

WINNING

9-0 STREAK

Bobcats run winning streak to 9 with doubleheader sweep of Tech

By Jason Orts Sports Editor

University Daily (Texas Tech) photo Texas State’s shortstop Leslie Sharp tags Texas Tech University’s outfielder Amanda Oakes as she tries to steal second base during the second game of the doubleheader Monday afternoon at the Rocky Johnson Field in Lubbock. The Bobcats defeated the Red Raiders in a doubleheader, 6-1, 6-4.

By Chris Dukes Sports Reporter The Texas State baseball team had an up-and-down Spring Break, picking up some big wins and suffering some disappointing losses.

The Bobcats finished with a 3-3 mark during the break, including falling in two of three games to Lamar University in the conference opening series at Bobcat Field.

Texas State now sits at 11-12 overall and 1-2 in Southland Conference action.

The Bobcats traveled to the Dell Diamond Friday to compete in the Round Rock College Classic. Their first opponent was the Penn State University Nitanny Lions.

PSU came out swinging in the first inning, with Mike Millron and Joe Blackburn both driving in runs to make the score 2-0. This would be the last scoring the Texas State pitching staff would allow. Starting pitcher Tom Robbins settled down and pitched seven strong innings, allowing only five hits and striking out four.

The Bobcat offense finally got rolling in the third inning, when center fielder Evan Tierce blasted a triple off the left field wall, scoring second baseman Patrick Crumpton to cut the Penn State lead to 2-1.

The fourth inning saw more Bobcat scoring when third baseman Kyle Anson drove in the tying run, then catcher Doug Pearce brought in two more with a single to make the score 4-2 Texas State.

The Bobcats would pile on one more insurance run in the fifth, thanks to left fielder Matt Miller’s RBI single, which made the score 52 Texas State.

Dominic Ramos was solid in relief pitching two scoreless innings and picking up his third save of the

By Bill Lyon Knight Ridder Newspapers PHILADELPHIA — Chaos. Glorious chaos.

Bracketville is burning. Again.

Your best picks went down like the Vet. Your office pool is more Dead Sea than pool.

Chaos. Glorious chaos.

It is the soul and the essence of the NCAA tournament. Never does little have a bigger chance. Dreaming is not only permitted, it is riotously encouraged.

“Oh yeah, we heard them,” said Delonte West of St. Joseph’s, the banner-bearers of the Everyman Crusade. “We heard them saying we’d be the first to fall off.”

The Hawks had earned seats at the head table for this banquet, but the skeptics made it sound as if they would have to sit on phone books just to reach the plates. Maybe they should just go back to the kiddies’ table.

Well, No. 1 fell, all right. Twice.

The No. 1 of No. 1s, Kentucky. And before that, Stanford, whose cause had been so arrogantly and presumptuously championed by certain West Coast propagandists, of whom it may be inquired: So, who’s the fraud now?

And two No. 2s are gone, too. Mississippi State and Gonzaga.

So then, of the top eight seeds, half didn’t make it out of the first weekend. Follow me as we count backward: 10 (Nevada) . . . 9 (Alabama-Birming-ham) . . . 8 (Alabama) . . . 7 (Xavier) . . . 6 (Vanderbilt) ...

Those are the seeds who overcame, who beat at least one opponent they weren’t supposed to, and in some cases, two. They are the ones who spun the chaos, glorious chaos.

They are the ones who put the torch to Bracketville. g See BRACKETS, page 11

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University Daily (Texas Tech) photo Dominic Ramos, shortstop junior, unsuccessfully tags a runner while sliding back to second base safely against the University of LouisianaLafayette. The Bobcats won against the Ragin’ Cajuns, 6-4. year.

The win stopped a six-game losing streak for the ’Cats.

The next opponent was another Big 10 school, the University of Illinois. This game featured terrific pitching by both schools, with neither team able to score until the sixth inning. That’s when Texas State first baseman Mark Cooper hit his second home run of the year to give the Bobcats a 1-0 lead.

Illinois did manage one run in the top of the ninth when Trevor Huisinga scored on a fielder’s choice to tie the game at 1-1 going into the bottom of the ninth.

With two outs and nobody on, second baseman Jose Rodriguez doubled to bring up Tierce, who came up big with a line drive single up the middle to bring in Rodriguez and seal the Bobcats’ second straight win.

“I wasn’t surprised that (Tierce) got the big hit,” said Texas State coach Ty Harrington. “What was

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Baseball wins some, loses some

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LUBBOCK — Nearly two weeks ago, the Texas State softball team was reeling following three losses in two days to the University of Houston and Baylor University.

Since that time, the Bobcats are 9-0, capped by a doubleheader sweep on the road against Texas Tech University Monday, 6-1 in the opener and 6-4 in the nightcap.

The Red Raiders scored first in both games, but were unable to shutdown the Bobcat offense, which finished for 21 hits in the two games.

After Tech opened the scoring in the bottom of the first of the opener, the Bobcats manufactured a run in the third to tie the score.

Right fielder Janelle Wolter singled with one out and scored on a RBI infield single from first baseman Hannah Snow.

The Bobcats took the lead an inning later as third baseman Brittany Hodge singled and was followed by a double from shortstop Leslie Sharp. One out later, center fielder Kristen Zaleski was

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huge was Jose getting that two-out double putting us in scoring position and forcing the other team to throw to Evan.”

Patrick Colgan pitched a solid six shutout innings in his first-ever college start.

“Colgan was fantastic. He showed tremendous poise coming out here against a Big 10 school,” Harrington said. “He’s been great for us in relief all season and his presence this year has been tremendous for us.”

Ramos picked up the win despite allowing his first run of the season, moving to 2-0 on the season.

The ’Cats were scheduled to play one more game at the Dell Diamond, but it was canceled because of deteriorating field conditions.

The ’Cats next traveled to Waco March 16 to take on the Baylor Univeristy Bears, who piled on six runs in the first three innings to make the score 6-1. Texas State did not quit, scoring four unanswered runs to

pull within one.

Baylor was able to answer back when catcher Josh Ford hit his second home run of the game to put the bears on top 7-5. The Bobcats were not able to mount any offense against Baylor reliever Ryan Lamotta, who shut out the Bobcats in the next five innings to seal the Bear victory.

Paul Schappert was charged with the loss, and he fell to 1-4 on the season.

Next, the Bobcats opened SLC play with a three-game set against the No. 28 Lamar University Cardinals. In the first game, the Bobcats once again found themselves in an early hole when Lamar scored three runs in the first inning.

However, it took only one swing of Cooper’s bat to even the score in the bottom of the first, as he belted a three-run blast to make it 3-3.

Texas State took the lead in the third inning when Tierce scored on a fielder’s choice.

The Cardinals tied the game up in the fourth, but Texas State quickly reclaimed it in the bottom half of the inning when right fielder Richard Martinez drove in a run to make the score 5-4.

Lamar responded with a three-run fifth inning to make the score 7-4.

Texas State scored an unearned run in the sixth inning to cut the lead to 7-5 but could not muster any more runs after that point.

Robbins took the loss, despite striking out 10 batters. He allowed seven runs on seven hits in five innings.

The ’Cats were looking for redemption in Game 2, but once again found themselves in an early hole when Lamar scored three unearned runs in the first inning.

Bobcats did manage a couple of

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